The Sword in the Stone

Publishers Weekly

Neville Jason's approach, he says, is to be "humble to the material" he is working with and to let the "powers of absorption work." It is apt that in this classic retelling of the King Arthur legend, the wizard Merlin often teaches the boy Arthur (aka Wart) by changing him into other creatures-a fish, a bird-to learn by absorption, by being, with empathy being the least of the lessons taught. It is a perfect fit of sensibilities. Jason, who was awarded the Diction Prize by Sir John Gielgud at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, delivers fully developed characters with such warmth and spark that listeners are instantly transported to Sir Ector's castle. Originally written in 1938, this audiobook is perfect for any J.K. Rowling fan, as its humor, intellect and playfulness feels as contemporary as a Harry Potter novel. In fact, Rowling has described White's Wart as "Harry's spiritual ancestor." Combined with the brilliant performance by Jason, what more could a fantasy fan want? (Mar.)

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Children's Literature - Jeanne K. Pettenati J.D.

The "Wart" is an unlikely name for the boy who would become King Arthur. Guided by his tutor, the wizard Merlyn, this boy proves his wisdom, courage, intelligence, and compassion—traits evidenced from an early age that are way beyond his years—and traits that will serve him well as King . But like most boys, the Wart is curious, sociable, and loves adventure. He lives with his guardian Sir Ector, and Kay, Sir Ector's son, in a castle in the Forest Sauvage. No one knows who the Wart's parents were and this troubles the boy for several reasons. Naturally, he wonders about them, but he is also sad because a boy with unknown parentage cannot become a gallant "knight." From an early age, the Wart knows that he will only be a Squire, but that Kay is destined for knighthood. Enter Merlyn. The wizard Merlyn is living his life backwards. Since he has experienced the future, he knows the boy will pull the sword out of the anvil stuck outside the church to become England's next king. So his lessons, seemingly fanciful (changing the Wart into a fish and a bird, and taking him into the forest to see a giant), present challenges and opportunities to test the boy's mettle. Wouldn't any listener leap at the chance to meet Robin Hood, and join him in a daring forest rescue? And wouldn't any listener love to meet knights and kings and witches? Or become invisible? Learn how to joust? Talk to snakes? Fly with hawks? Some of the stories are quite lively and engaging. However, listeners may find their minds wandering during the sequences that are peppered with King Pellinor's shaky voice and repetitive language quirks (he ends most of his sentences with "what?"). Listeners able to stick with thewhole eight discs will be rewarded by the final passage when the modest, unassuming Wart triumphs over all by securing the sword. The funny thing is, he isn't trying to become king. He is trying to supply his friend Kay with a sword so that Kay may vie for the kingdom. The Wart is a worthy protagonist. This title, which is unabridged, is one in "The Complete Classics" series. Eight CDs play for a total time of nine hours, 41 minutes and 19 seconds. Reviewer: Jeanne K. Pettenati, J.D.